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Richard Sharpe #13
Sharpe's Christmas: Two Short Stories
'Sharpe's Christmas' contains two short stories. In the title story Richard Sharpe, commanding the Prince of Wales's Own Volunteers, finds himself in a high, hard place with an enemy brigade on one side and a desperate force of Frenchmen fleeing their defeat in Spain on the other. The second story, 'Sharpe's Ransom', is set in France, after the wars, when old enemies take Sharpe's woman and child hostage.
97 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
About the author
Bernard Cornwell
456 books17.9k followersCornwell was born in London in 1944. His father was a Canadian airman, and his mother, who was English, a member of the Women's Auxiliary Air Force. He was adopted and brought up in Essex by the Wiggins family, who were members of the Peculiar People, a strict Protestant sect who banned frivolity of all kinds and even medicine. After he left them, he changed his name to his birth mother's maiden name, Cornwell.
Cornwell was sent away to Monkton Combe School, attended the University of London, and after graduating, worked as a teacher. He attempted to enlist in the British armed services at least three times but was rejected on the grounds of myopia.
He then joined BBC's Nationwide and was promoted to become head of current affairs at BBC Northern Ireland. He then joined Thames Television as editor of Thames News. He relocated to the United States in 1980 after marrying an American. Unable to get a green card, he started writing novels, as this did not require a work permit.
As a child, Cornwell loved the novels of C.S. Forester, chronicling the adventures of fictional British naval officer Horatio Hornblower during the Napoleonic Wars, and was surprised to find there were no such novels following Lord Wellington's campaign on land. Motivated by the need to support himself in the U.S. through writing, Cornwell decided to write such a series. He named his chief protagonist Richard Sharpe, a rifleman involved in most major battles of the Peninsular War.
Cornwell wanted to start the series with the Siege of Badajoz but decided instead to start with a couple of "warm-up" novels. These were Sharpe's Eagle and Sharpe's Gold, both published in 1981. Sharpe's Eagle was picked up by a publisher, and Cornwell got a three-book deal. He went on to tell the story of Badajoz in his third Sharpe novel, Sharpe's Company, published in 1982.
Cornwell and wife Judy co-wrote a series of novels, published under the pseudonym "Susannah Kells". These were A Crowning Mercy, published in 1983, Fallen Angels in 1984, and Coat of Arms (aka The Aristocrats) in 1986. (Cornwell's strict Protestant upbringing informed the background of A Crowning Mercy, which took place during the English Civil War.) In 1987, he also published Redcoat, an American Revolutionary War novel set in Philadelphia during its 1777 occupation by the British.
After publishing eight books in his ongoing Sharpe series, Cornwell was approached by a production company interested in adapting them for television. The producers asked him to write a prequel to give them a starting point to the series. They also requested that the story feature a large role for Spanish characters to secure co-funding from Spain. The result was Sharpe’s Rifles, published in 1987, and a series of Sharpe television films staring Sean Bean.
A series of contemporary thrillers with sailing as a background and common themes followed: Wildtrack published in 1988, Sea Lord (aka Killer's Wake) in 1989, Crackdown in 1990, Stormchild in 1991, and Scoundrel, a political thriller, in 1992.
In June 2006, Cornwell was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in the Queen's 80th Birthday Honours List.
Cornwell's latest work, Azincourt, was released in the UK in October 2008. The protagonist is an archer who participates in the Battle of Agincourt, another devastating defeat suffered by the French in the Hundred Years War. However, Cornwell has stated that it will not be about Thomas of Hookton from The Grail Quest or any of his relatives.
Cornwell was sent away to Monkton Combe School, attended the University of London, and after graduating, worked as a teacher. He attempted to enlist in the British armed services at least three times but was rejected on the grounds of myopia.
He then joined BBC's Nationwide and was promoted to become head of current affairs at BBC Northern Ireland. He then joined Thames Television as editor of Thames News. He relocated to the United States in 1980 after marrying an American. Unable to get a green card, he started writing novels, as this did not require a work permit.
As a child, Cornwell loved the novels of C.S. Forester, chronicling the adventures of fictional British naval officer Horatio Hornblower during the Napoleonic Wars, and was surprised to find there were no such novels following Lord Wellington's campaign on land. Motivated by the need to support himself in the U.S. through writing, Cornwell decided to write such a series. He named his chief protagonist Richard Sharpe, a rifleman involved in most major battles of the Peninsular War.
Cornwell wanted to start the series with the Siege of Badajoz but decided instead to start with a couple of "warm-up" novels. These were Sharpe's Eagle and Sharpe's Gold, both published in 1981. Sharpe's Eagle was picked up by a publisher, and Cornwell got a three-book deal. He went on to tell the story of Badajoz in his third Sharpe novel, Sharpe's Company, published in 1982.
Cornwell and wife Judy co-wrote a series of novels, published under the pseudonym "Susannah Kells". These were A Crowning Mercy, published in 1983, Fallen Angels in 1984, and Coat of Arms (aka The Aristocrats) in 1986. (Cornwell's strict Protestant upbringing informed the background of A Crowning Mercy, which took place during the English Civil War.) In 1987, he also published Redcoat, an American Revolutionary War novel set in Philadelphia during its 1777 occupation by the British.
After publishing eight books in his ongoing Sharpe series, Cornwell was approached by a production company interested in adapting them for television. The producers asked him to write a prequel to give them a starting point to the series. They also requested that the story feature a large role for Spanish characters to secure co-funding from Spain. The result was Sharpe’s Rifles, published in 1987, and a series of Sharpe television films staring Sean Bean.
A series of contemporary thrillers with sailing as a background and common themes followed: Wildtrack published in 1988, Sea Lord (aka Killer's Wake) in 1989, Crackdown in 1990, Stormchild in 1991, and Scoundrel, a political thriller, in 1992.
In June 2006, Cornwell was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in the Queen's 80th Birthday Honours List.
Cornwell's latest work, Azincourt, was released in the UK in October 2008. The protagonist is an archer who participates in the Battle of Agincourt, another devastating defeat suffered by the French in the Hundred Years War. However, Cornwell has stated that it will not be about Thomas of Hookton from The Grail Quest or any of his relatives.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
February 13, 2023
even though it’s war there is still some mercy
A baby girl is born to a Spanish woman married to a French soldier and the baby is delivered by a British rifleman.
Sharpe does an amazing thing, a gift really, for a French colonel who is an old friend, giving the man back his honor.
The fighting is sharp but short because a Christmas trick works.
⚔️⚔️A Christmas story from 1813⚔️⚔️ 🇬🇧 🇫🇷 🇪🇸
A baby girl is born to a Spanish woman married to a French soldier and the baby is delivered by a British rifleman.
Sharpe does an amazing thing, a gift really, for a French colonel who is an old friend, giving the man back his honor.
The fighting is sharp but short because a Christmas trick works.
⚔️⚔️A Christmas story from 1813⚔️⚔️ 🇬🇧 🇫🇷 🇪🇸
December 5, 2019
Two short stories from the Richard Sharpe series published 2003.
Story one where Richard Sharpe gives a French officer, who was a friend he fought beside in India, a helping hand to save his regiment and bolster his standing within the French Army. Sounds far fetched, well just a little maybe but this is a Christmas story after all.
Story two where a bunch of thugs, all ex French soldiers, hold Sharpe’s family to ransom for an imagined hoard of gold, a hoard that doesn’t exist.
The war is over and Richard Sharpe now lives in Normandy with his de-facto French wife and their child. The local community doesn’t like Sharpe because he was once the enemy but if Sharpe is to save his family he will need their help.
Two eminently readable short stories and a nice addition to the series.
A recommended 4 start read for Richard Sharpe fans.
Story one where Richard Sharpe gives a French officer, who was a friend he fought beside in India, a helping hand to save his regiment and bolster his standing within the French Army. Sounds far fetched, well just a little maybe but this is a Christmas story after all.
Story two where a bunch of thugs, all ex French soldiers, hold Sharpe’s family to ransom for an imagined hoard of gold, a hoard that doesn’t exist.
The war is over and Richard Sharpe now lives in Normandy with his de-facto French wife and their child. The local community doesn’t like Sharpe because he was once the enemy but if Sharpe is to save his family he will need their help.
Two eminently readable short stories and a nice addition to the series.
A recommended 4 start read for Richard Sharpe fans.
February 28, 2024
Fine short story. Review to follow.
July 21, 2020
Short story, short review. Sharpe is involved in a skirmish. On the opposite side is the French Col. Gudin from the Indian trilogy. (The best officer Sharpe ever served under) Sharpe Christmas has nothing to do with the holiday. it's a character building story for our hero. Who shows his honorable soft side. Good tale written after Cornwell had really developed his literary talents. Recommend to anyone who wants to give the series a try without reading a 300 page novel. About 55 pages long.
September 28, 2024
Bernard Cornwell's "Sharpe's Christmas" offers a delightful duo of short stories featuring the indomitable Richard Sharpe during the Napoleonic Wars. This compact volume provides fans with two festive glimpses into Sharpe's world, balancing holiday spirit with the gritty realism Cornwell is renowned.
The book comprises two separate tales, each showcasing Cornwell's mastery of historical fiction in a more condensed format. While the specific plots of each story may vary, they both capture the essence of Sharpe's character and the tumultuous period in which he operates.
In these stories, Cornwell's vivid prose brings to life the contrast between the harsh realities of war and the warmth of holiday traditions. The author deftly weaves in themes of camaraderie, loyalty, and the longing for home that many soldiers experience during wartime holidays.
As always, Sharpe's character shines through - gruff yet honourable, out of place in polite society but at home in the chaos of battle. The supporting cast, likely including familiar faces such as Patrick Harper and others from Sharpe's chosen band of riflemen, adds depth and camaraderie to the narratives.
While the plots may not be as complex as some of Cornwell's full-length novels, they still manage to incorporate enough intrigue and action to keep readers engaged. The shorter format allows Cornwell to explore different aspects of his characters and the setting without the need for elaborate storylines.
The book's structure of two separate stories is particularly appealing, offering readers two distinct Sharpe adventures in one volume. This format provides variety and allows Cornwell to explore different facets of the Christmas theme in the context of the Napoleonic Wars.
If there's a criticism to be made, it's that the brevity of the tales doesn't allow for as much character development or plot complexity as we see in the main novels. Some readers might find themselves wishing for more substantial stories.
Nevertheless, "Sharpe's Christmas" is a well-crafted, enjoyable read that captures the spirit of the season while staying true to the essence of the Sharpe series. It's a perfect holiday treat for long-time fans and a pleasant introduction for newcomers to Cornwell's Napoleonic world. The two-story format offers added value, giving readers double the festive Sharpe action in one book.
The book comprises two separate tales, each showcasing Cornwell's mastery of historical fiction in a more condensed format. While the specific plots of each story may vary, they both capture the essence of Sharpe's character and the tumultuous period in which he operates.
In these stories, Cornwell's vivid prose brings to life the contrast between the harsh realities of war and the warmth of holiday traditions. The author deftly weaves in themes of camaraderie, loyalty, and the longing for home that many soldiers experience during wartime holidays.
As always, Sharpe's character shines through - gruff yet honourable, out of place in polite society but at home in the chaos of battle. The supporting cast, likely including familiar faces such as Patrick Harper and others from Sharpe's chosen band of riflemen, adds depth and camaraderie to the narratives.
While the plots may not be as complex as some of Cornwell's full-length novels, they still manage to incorporate enough intrigue and action to keep readers engaged. The shorter format allows Cornwell to explore different aspects of his characters and the setting without the need for elaborate storylines.
The book's structure of two separate stories is particularly appealing, offering readers two distinct Sharpe adventures in one volume. This format provides variety and allows Cornwell to explore different facets of the Christmas theme in the context of the Napoleonic Wars.
If there's a criticism to be made, it's that the brevity of the tales doesn't allow for as much character development or plot complexity as we see in the main novels. Some readers might find themselves wishing for more substantial stories.
Nevertheless, "Sharpe's Christmas" is a well-crafted, enjoyable read that captures the spirit of the season while staying true to the essence of the Sharpe series. It's a perfect holiday treat for long-time fans and a pleasant introduction for newcomers to Cornwell's Napoleonic world. The two-story format offers added value, giving readers double the festive Sharpe action in one book.
February 21, 2013
I'm trying to read the series in chronological order, but I got mixed up somehow and after Sharpe's Gold I picked up this Christmas novella that is set up about three years and several battles later. It doesn't matter all that much, because Sharpe (a major in command of a whole regiment by now)is only involved in a minor border dispute, with little relevance to the grander scheme of the Spanish campaign.
It was the night before Christmas, and instead of resting quietly before a campfire with a 'rostbif' and a plum pudding, Sharpe is send to guard a mountain pass in the Pyrenees against a French contingent in retreat from south of the border. A different French army tries to come down from the north and link with the defeated one, putting Sharpe in a tight spot, right in the middle. We get reacquainted with a French colonel that fought with Sharpe in the Indian campaigns. Sharpe is in his usual 'perfect soldier' configuration.
That's about all there is to it. Nothing very deep, or very complicated, or very gory. Even the obligatory love interest for Sharpe is absent here. In the spirit of Christmas, goodwill and a little humor will take precedence over the bloodier aspects of war.
May 7, 2012
I've been reading the Sharpe books in order since the very beginning and this short story, SHARPE'S CHRISTMAS, is the next in the series after SHARPE'S REGIMENT.
It's noticeably Cornwell's weakest Sharpe, which isn't too bad as it's extremely short. I felt like Cornwell was rushed in writing this one, because the insertion of lots of exposition is clumsy and the situations rather contrived. It just feels like there's something awkward about the writing, as if the author's going through the motions rather than enjoying the experience.
Saying that, the story does pick up as it goes along, incorporating some brief, familiar yet entertaining action, as well as the re-introduction of a very old face (Cornwell admits that he wrote this just after he went back and wrote SHARPE'S TIGER, so the Indian adventures are suddenly prevalent here). I'd still pick this over other inferior, similar efforts.
I'll save reading SHARPE'S RANSOM until I get to the proper place in the series (after SHARPE'S WATERLOO!).
Edit: Having now read and finished SHARPE'S WATERLOO, I decided to read the Christmastime short, SHARPE'S RANSOM, which follows on from that novel in the series.
It's a marginal improvement upon SHARPE'S CHRISTMAS, although, if anything, it feels even shorter. Sharpe and his wife have made a new life for themselves in Normandy, but the arrival of some old enemies (just in case you thought every loose end had been tied up) threatens to spell disaster.
What follows is noticeably tamer than the Sharpe novels (this is an entirely bloodless affair) but it still contains at least one well-written action scene set aboard a horse and cart. The plotting is strong - this is recognisably the Sharpe we all know and love - and the tale cracks along at lightning speed. It may be light on characterisation and depth, but it is only a short story, after all...
It's noticeably Cornwell's weakest Sharpe, which isn't too bad as it's extremely short. I felt like Cornwell was rushed in writing this one, because the insertion of lots of exposition is clumsy and the situations rather contrived. It just feels like there's something awkward about the writing, as if the author's going through the motions rather than enjoying the experience.
Saying that, the story does pick up as it goes along, incorporating some brief, familiar yet entertaining action, as well as the re-introduction of a very old face (Cornwell admits that he wrote this just after he went back and wrote SHARPE'S TIGER, so the Indian adventures are suddenly prevalent here). I'd still pick this over other inferior, similar efforts.
I'll save reading SHARPE'S RANSOM until I get to the proper place in the series (after SHARPE'S WATERLOO!).
Edit: Having now read and finished SHARPE'S WATERLOO, I decided to read the Christmastime short, SHARPE'S RANSOM, which follows on from that novel in the series.
It's a marginal improvement upon SHARPE'S CHRISTMAS, although, if anything, it feels even shorter. Sharpe and his wife have made a new life for themselves in Normandy, but the arrival of some old enemies (just in case you thought every loose end had been tied up) threatens to spell disaster.
What follows is noticeably tamer than the Sharpe novels (this is an entirely bloodless affair) but it still contains at least one well-written action scene set aboard a horse and cart. The plotting is strong - this is recognisably the Sharpe we all know and love - and the tale cracks along at lightning speed. It may be light on characterisation and depth, but it is only a short story, after all...
August 7, 2023
This little book holds two very solid Sharpe short stories within it (the only Sharpe short fiction besides the slightly longer Sharpe's Skirmish), with one taking place after bk 17 and the other after bk 20 (Sharpe's Waterloo). If you've made it this far then you're probably a Sharpe completionist, in which case they are of course essential due to the nature of completionism. If you're not a crazy completionist like me then you could probably skip them, but why tho? They both take place around Christmas and certainly have their moments of tension, but they also have some warm character moments that maybe got intensified a bit with the Christmas theme in a satisfying way.
I've listened to so many hundreds of hours of Rupert Farley's incomparable Sharpe narration that I was able to imagine it all in Farley's voice, so it was almost like I was reading it immersively. I'm closing in on the last few Sharpe books and am pretty sad I will be running out of new Sharpe adventures soon!
I've listened to so many hundreds of hours of Rupert Farley's incomparable Sharpe narration that I was able to imagine it all in Farley's voice, so it was almost like I was reading it immersively. I'm closing in on the last few Sharpe books and am pretty sad I will be running out of new Sharpe adventures soon!
September 4, 2021
I love this series. This is two short stories that were originally published in series form in a British newspaper around the holidays. I am so glad Cornwell decided to flesh them out and publish them. It makes me sad to see the number of Sharpe's novels dwindle.
There are only three words in the English language that start with the letters "dw". I challenge you to discover the other two without using Google.
There are only three words in the English language that start with the letters "dw". I challenge you to discover the other two without using Google.
March 18, 2018
Small tales well told.
November 30, 2017
Sharpe’s Christmas is a short story that takes place after Sharpe’s Regiment, where the British infantry is entrenched in France after years of fighting in Spain and Portugal. Coming up on Christmas day, Sharpe is tasked with preventing French forces from traveling through a stretch of road, which of course ends up bringing two forces on either side of Sharpe, with neither knowing how many troops he has.
Much like in Sharpe’s Skirmish, here Sharpe utilizes a clever booby trap to gain the upper hand replacing the more extensive military maneuvering found in the full length novels. With a shortened page count, Sharpe’s romantic exploits are noticeably absent. As Cornwell has recently written the prequel India novels prior to writing this story, he decides to bring back the French Colonel that Sharpe got along well with in India for this story. The reintroduction of the character was fine, and it lent itself well to maneuvering a circumstance where Sharpe would show some Christmas spirit during war time, but the method by which the reader was reintroduced to the character (both Sharpe and the Colonel reminisce about each other for the first time in years prior to running into each other) was very clunky.
Beyond that there wasn’t anything too necessary to the greater Sharpe mythos here. Sharpe had an opportunity to capture a second French Eagle, his Ensigns continue their reign as the Spinal Tap drummer or Star Trek redshirts of the crew, and the rifle regiment is able to intimidate the smooth bore French musketeers superior numbers and will survive to march again.
Much like in Sharpe’s Skirmish, here Sharpe utilizes a clever booby trap to gain the upper hand replacing the more extensive military maneuvering found in the full length novels. With a shortened page count, Sharpe’s romantic exploits are noticeably absent. As Cornwell has recently written the prequel India novels prior to writing this story, he decides to bring back the French Colonel that Sharpe got along well with in India for this story. The reintroduction of the character was fine, and it lent itself well to maneuvering a circumstance where Sharpe would show some Christmas spirit during war time, but the method by which the reader was reintroduced to the character (both Sharpe and the Colonel reminisce about each other for the first time in years prior to running into each other) was very clunky.
Beyond that there wasn’t anything too necessary to the greater Sharpe mythos here. Sharpe had an opportunity to capture a second French Eagle, his Ensigns continue their reign as the Spinal Tap drummer or Star Trek redshirts of the crew, and the rifle regiment is able to intimidate the smooth bore French musketeers superior numbers and will survive to march again.
July 21, 2016
Sharpe's Christmas/ Sharpe's Ransom
Sharpe's Christmas is two short stories that are a great addition to the Richard Sharpe series. They are quick reads. They were written for publication in Christmastime editions of the British newspaper the Daily Guardian. One story is "Sharpe's Christmas" set near the end of Peninsular War and the other is "Sharpe's Ransom" set after his retirement to Normandy. We get to see a little action in each, but we also get to see a slightly softer side of Sharpe.
In Christmas, Sharpe is dispatched to stop the retreat from Spain of French troops on Christmas eve. He meets an old enemy who he both likes and respects. The feeling is mutual. They reach an accommodation that allows both to leave the field with honor and success.
In Ransom, also set at Christmas, Sharpe’s home is invaded and his family is placed in danger. To overcome the invaders, he must gain the friendship of the nearby French villagers who don’t trust him because he served with the enemy. All ends well.
The proceeds of this book benefit the Sharpe Appreciation Society and the Bernard and Judy Cornwell Foundation. The former promotes understanding of the soldiers who fought in the Peninsular War and France in the early 19th century and the latter supports scholarships for young people in Cape Cod. If you are a Sharpe fan, consider purchasing for the $8 paperback from Amazon.
Sharpe's Christmas is two short stories that are a great addition to the Richard Sharpe series. They are quick reads. They were written for publication in Christmastime editions of the British newspaper the Daily Guardian. One story is "Sharpe's Christmas" set near the end of Peninsular War and the other is "Sharpe's Ransom" set after his retirement to Normandy. We get to see a little action in each, but we also get to see a slightly softer side of Sharpe.
In Christmas, Sharpe is dispatched to stop the retreat from Spain of French troops on Christmas eve. He meets an old enemy who he both likes and respects. The feeling is mutual. They reach an accommodation that allows both to leave the field with honor and success.
In Ransom, also set at Christmas, Sharpe’s home is invaded and his family is placed in danger. To overcome the invaders, he must gain the friendship of the nearby French villagers who don’t trust him because he served with the enemy. All ends well.
The proceeds of this book benefit the Sharpe Appreciation Society and the Bernard and Judy Cornwell Foundation. The former promotes understanding of the soldiers who fought in the Peninsular War and France in the early 19th century and the latter supports scholarships for young people in Cape Cod. If you are a Sharpe fan, consider purchasing for the $8 paperback from Amazon.
December 25, 2019
Two Richard Sharpe short stories that Cornwell wrote for The Daily Mail for the holiday season in 1994 and 1995. The first is set in Spain late in the Peninsular Campaign and the second in France after Waterloo. Both are "classic Sharpe" but have somewhat more "good will to men" endings than usual in recognition of the Christmas season. Technically, I'd give this a 3.5, but I'm feeling charitable due to the holiday spirit.
January 1, 2010
Cornwell's Sharpe series is well known. This thin, and hard to obtain, book contains two stories that were (in the British tradition) published in newspapers during the holiday season. This book is not a good place to begin reading about this iconic character. For those who know him well it fills in information relevant to his early days serving in India and his life, post Waterloo. Very entertaining.
October 18, 2024
As the author observes in his introduction, Sharpe's typical exploits and the Christmas spirit don't really go together, but he duly wrote these two stories to order - the original requirement being for a twelve-thousand-word story that could be published in three neat installments of 4,000 words each - for publication in the "Daily Mail", before eventually resurrecting them and re-editing them for publication in book form.
I read the second story first, which I think is the strongest: here, Sharpe has unexpectedly (to me at least) settled down to spend the rest of his life in the France of the Bourbon Restoration, and has to deploy his ingenuity to the task of winning over the dour Norman peasants who are now his neighbours... aided by a visit from some ex-soldiers who have turned to banditry, and whom he needs assistance to chase off. Here the themes of reconciliation and Christmas celebration fit in more plausibly alongside Sharpe's talent for violence (and, surprisingly, I think he manages to avoid actually killing anyone, despite the fact that his enemies have no scruples in the other direction).
The first story tries a little too hard to keep inserting mentions of Christmas into the text, whereas in the second one it doesn't get explicitly mentioned nearly so often, which works better. Both stories hark back to episodes in Sharpe's past that evidently occur in books that I haven't read, but the first one involves his suddenly professing a longstanding friendship to someone I'd never heard of, which is harder to believe in somehow than old enemies turning up out of the blue whom Sharpe doesn't even individually recognise. The Peninsula flavour is pretty convincing but a bit cursory, and the 'miracle gift' is a bit hard to swallow, especially as we don't see the discussions that must have preceded this agreement. (Leaving 9/10 of one's troops behind as prisoners while being set up as a fake hero doesn't actually seem like something an honourable opponent would jump at....)
Otherwise we get booby-traps, line versus column, voltigeurs, remote mountain villages, and all the other stock ingredients of Napoleonic fiction of the Peninsular War. A character gets killed under a flag of truce without any real repercussions, and there is a Christmas baby. The idea of the 'unlucky officer' whose career is doomed in an army that stresses the dash and flair of the fortunate individual is an interesting one, but it isn't really developed; or at least not here. This story was the one that really suffered from my not being familiar with the prior relationship between the characters, I felt - the other one works better as a stand-alone fiction.
I read the second story first, which I think is the strongest: here, Sharpe has unexpectedly (to me at least) settled down to spend the rest of his life in the France of the Bourbon Restoration, and has to deploy his ingenuity to the task of winning over the dour Norman peasants who are now his neighbours... aided by a visit from some ex-soldiers who have turned to banditry, and whom he needs assistance to chase off. Here the themes of reconciliation and Christmas celebration fit in more plausibly alongside Sharpe's talent for violence (and, surprisingly, I think he manages to avoid actually killing anyone, despite the fact that his enemies have no scruples in the other direction).
The first story tries a little too hard to keep inserting mentions of Christmas into the text, whereas in the second one it doesn't get explicitly mentioned nearly so often, which works better. Both stories hark back to episodes in Sharpe's past that evidently occur in books that I haven't read, but the first one involves his suddenly professing a longstanding friendship to someone I'd never heard of, which is harder to believe in somehow than old enemies turning up out of the blue whom Sharpe doesn't even individually recognise. The Peninsula flavour is pretty convincing but a bit cursory, and the 'miracle gift' is a bit hard to swallow, especially as we don't see the discussions that must have preceded this agreement. (Leaving 9/10 of one's troops behind as prisoners while being set up as a fake hero doesn't actually seem like something an honourable opponent would jump at....)
Otherwise we get booby-traps, line versus column, voltigeurs, remote mountain villages, and all the other stock ingredients of Napoleonic fiction of the Peninsular War. A character gets killed under a flag of truce without any real repercussions, and there is a Christmas baby. The idea of the 'unlucky officer' whose career is doomed in an army that stresses the dash and flair of the fortunate individual is an interesting one, but it isn't really developed; or at least not here. This story was the one that really suffered from my not being familiar with the prior relationship between the characters, I felt - the other one works better as a stand-alone fiction.
August 13, 2022
Four stars for 2 enjoyable short stories that both take place on Christmas Eve. The first story takes place in 1813, inside Spain but close to the border with France. Sharpe and his men are assigned to guard a road leading to France. They are to prevent a retreating force of 1,000 French troops from crossing into France. But then another French force advances from France to meet the retreating soldiers and Sharpe is caught between 2 hostile forces, each of which outnumber his men. How he manages to defeat them is an entertaining story.
The second story is set in Normandy, France in 1814. Sharpe has settled down with the widow of a French officer and is helping her run her farm. He has mended the roof and numerous other tasks on her neglected farm. But he is thoroughly disliked by the rest of the village. Then 6 ex French soldiers come to their farm and take his common law wife and their child hostage, because they think that Sharpe has stolen Napoleon's gold. Of course Sharpe outwits them.
The author explains in a foreword that a British newspaper, the Daily Mail, asked him 2 years in a row to write a short story of exactly 12k words, so they can run the story in 3 segments of 4k words each. This edition has the stories slightly enlarged, to his taste.
I recommend both stories to fans of this series and historical fiction fans. I read this library book in 1 day.
The second story is set in Normandy, France in 1814. Sharpe has settled down with the widow of a French officer and is helping her run her farm. He has mended the roof and numerous other tasks on her neglected farm. But he is thoroughly disliked by the rest of the village. Then 6 ex French soldiers come to their farm and take his common law wife and their child hostage, because they think that Sharpe has stolen Napoleon's gold. Of course Sharpe outwits them.
The author explains in a foreword that a British newspaper, the Daily Mail, asked him 2 years in a row to write a short story of exactly 12k words, so they can run the story in 3 segments of 4k words each. This edition has the stories slightly enlarged, to his taste.
I recommend both stories to fans of this series and historical fiction fans. I read this library book in 1 day.
December 9, 2021
The first story is very difficult to get into unless you're into war stories. It is very much strategy, contriving to trap the enemy, foxholes and blood and bayonets. If you can get past that (which was difficult for me because I'm not at all interested in war stories of this detail), the underlying story is actually very enjoyable.
I don't think the characters are given enough time to develop, and there are too many of them for the length of this story. But overall, it's a cute and clever, fun story that happens to take place at Christmastime (not really a Christmas story, per se, but close).
The second story is much better because it takes place after the war and isn't on the front lines. It reads a bit like an action film and could very well be one, just in a different time period than most movies of this nature are set. Again there were a lot more characters than there should have been in a story this short, but somehow Cornwell made it work and I did enjoy the cute little drama with a bit of comedy tossed in for spice.
I don't think the characters are given enough time to develop, and there are too many of them for the length of this story. But overall, it's a cute and clever, fun story that happens to take place at Christmastime (not really a Christmas story, per se, but close).
The second story is much better because it takes place after the war and isn't on the front lines. It reads a bit like an action film and could very well be one, just in a different time period than most movies of this nature are set. Again there were a lot more characters than there should have been in a story this short, but somehow Cornwell made it work and I did enjoy the cute little drama with a bit of comedy tossed in for spice.
December 11, 2020
「Sharpe's Christmas」
久しぶりのシャープ・シリーズ。序盤からクリスマスディナーのために牛さんを仕留めなくてはならないのに、目があってしまってなかなか引き金をひけないシャープ隊長。ハーパーと押し付け合いながら、結局引き金はひけないまま。
インド時代に遭遇したことのあるフランス軍のグディン大佐と対峙することに。再会した途端、シャープが握手のために差し出した手を無視して力一杯ハグして両頬にキスしちゃう大佐。その様子をニコニコと嬉しそうに見守るシャープ隊長の部下。そういえば、シャープシリーズは敵からも味方からもとことん愛されまくる隊長さんのお話だったなぁと。
「Sharpe's Ransom」
こちらは戦争も終わり、フランスのノルマンディでルーシーと新しい生活をスタートさせたシャープのお話。イギリス人ということでなかなか村の人たちに受け入れてもえらえないシャープ。そんな時、シャープが狐退治にでかけている間に強盗が入り、ルーシーと息子パトリック、乳母のマリーを人質にとる。３人を救出するため、シャープは村人の中でももっともシャープに反感を持っている元フランス兵のジャクリーンに３人を救出するのを手伝って欲しいと頼む。
完全アウエィの土地で暮らすシャープ。しかし、持ち前の隊長フェロモンであっという間に、あれほどシャープのことを嫌っていたジャクリーンや村人たちのこころを鷲づかみ。今後はジャクリーンがハーパーのようにシャープのお守りをするこ��になるんだろうなぁと幸せな未来を予感させつつ。戦争を生き延び、シャープがついに故郷と呼べる場所に腰を落ち着けることができたのがうれいい。
久しぶりのシャープ・シリーズ。序盤からクリスマスディナーのために牛さんを仕留めなくてはならないのに、目があってしまってなかなか引き金をひけないシャープ隊長。ハーパーと押し付け合いながら、結局引き金はひけないまま。
インド時代に遭遇したことのあるフランス軍のグディン大佐と対峙することに。再会した途端、シャープが握手のために差し出した手を無視して力一杯ハグして両頬にキスしちゃう大佐。その様子をニコニコと嬉しそうに見守るシャープ隊長の部下。そういえば、シャープシリーズは敵からも味方からもとことん愛されまくる隊長さんのお話だったなぁと。
「Sharpe's Ransom」
こちらは戦争も終わり、フランスのノルマンディでルーシーと新しい生活をスタートさせたシャープのお話。イギリス人ということでなかなか村の人たちに受け入れてもえらえないシャープ。そんな時、シャープが狐退治にでかけている間に強盗が入り、ルーシーと息子パトリック、乳母のマリーを人質にとる。３人を救出するため、シャープは村人の中でももっともシャープに反感を持っている元フランス兵のジャクリーンに３人を救出するのを手伝って欲しいと頼む。
完全アウエィの土地で暮らすシャープ。しかし、持ち前の隊長フェロモンであっという間に、あれほどシャープのことを嫌っていたジャクリーンや村人たちのこころを鷲づかみ。今後はジャクリーンがハーパーのようにシャープのお守りをするこ��になるんだろうなぁと幸せな未来を予感させつつ。戦争を生き延び、シャープがついに故郷と呼べる場所に腰を落ち着けることができたのがうれいい。
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 16, 2018
This little book contains two short stories about Richard Sharpe that were written in serial form for the Daily Mail for publication during the Christmas season. Both are set at Christmas time and end up showing a softer side of Sharpe. He does get to show some of his soldiering skills in each as well as his cleverness in out-witting his enemies. For the reader who would be unfamiliar with the Richard Sharpe novels, Cornwell provides some background material as he masterfully tells the stories. It was fun to read these stories at Christmas time.
May 14, 2021
Wow! i am glad i found this little gem !i so loved reading the Sharpe books when they first came out and indeed the TV adaptations!.The memories flooded back as soon as i started to read these rather small offerings ,which were first written for a newspaper hence them being short!, Short ,yes, but by no means less exciting ! I really enjoyed reading them and i am also glad that after reading them and wanting more of my hero theres going to be a Brand new Sharpe Adventure in the Autmn, YAY !!!! Cant wait !!
December 18, 2020
Short stories never really work well when associated with an established character, so I’ve added an extra star to compensate for my indifference about the two stories.
They are both ok as a story I suppose - neither good or bad, so should be 3 stars. I don’t regret reading them and are typical of the series, but are limited and suffer from the short word count required by a short story so didn’t quench by Sharpe thirst.
They are both ok as a story I suppose - neither good or bad, so should be 3 stars. I don’t regret reading them and are typical of the series, but are limited and suffer from the short word count required by a short story so didn’t quench by Sharpe thirst.
December 17, 2022
Good for what it is: some fun little interstitial accounts of our man Sharpe, including a tale that appears to be his final canonical appearance (post war). Though not particularly gripping or consequential, these types of stories rarely are. The real strength of them, at least for me, was having one final chance to walk alongside Sharpe, learn of his (for now) happy ending, and bid a fond and proper good-bye to Cornwell’s greatest creation.
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February 19, 2023"For that was the plan. General Picard was marching south from St Jean Pied-de-Port. He would climb the French side of the Pyrenees to make sure that the frontier pass was open for Gudin's men and all Gudin needed to do was survive the forty kilometres of tortuous winter road that twisted up from Ochagavia to the pass where General Picard waited.
At a place of misery in the mountains, a place called Irati."
At a place of misery in the mountains, a place called Irati."
January 8, 2021
Just a pair of feel-good short stories featuring Richard Sharpe. You can read them both in one sitting or read one, go do something else, then come back and read the other. It doesn't take all that long.
Entertaining, but strictly for the Sharpe or Cornwell fan who has to have everything. This isn't everything, but it comes close to finishing up the Sharpe series.
Entertaining, but strictly for the Sharpe or Cornwell fan who has to have everything. This isn't everything, but it comes close to finishing up the Sharpe series.
June 20, 2021
As a short story is an average one. But as part of the Sharpe's series I don't think it makes any sense. It's a simplistic story, didn't like it that much. Perhaps I am getting older but it's taking me some time to read the Sharpe's books... I started 13 years ago and didn't finish yet. However, I am enjoying these readings less and less, feeling they are now too cheesy and predictable.
December 7, 2021
Two excellent Christmas-set short stories featuring Richard Sharpe.
Sharpe's Christmas (set during the Napoleonic Wars) features a skirmish between Sharpe and an old French friend and Sharpe's Ransom sees a retired Sharpe enlist the locals from his Normandy village in rescuing his partner and son on Christmas Eve.
Sharpe's Christmas (set during the Napoleonic Wars) features a skirmish between Sharpe and an old French friend and Sharpe's Ransom sees a retired Sharpe enlist the locals from his Normandy village in rescuing his partner and son on Christmas Eve.
January 31, 2024
An enjoyable little book containing two short stories with a common Christmas theme. They are very quick reads. I would only recommend this book for those already familiar with the Sharpe series. Once again, Cornwell's action scenes are succinct but he only lightly explores the ambiguity of Sharpe's actions. Well worth reading (for Sharpe fans).
May 14, 2024
I've only read the 1st Sharpe's Christmas where he is still fighting in Spain but absolutely loved it as a quick read. Its got a few cliche's and is a bit tongue in cheek but everyone good comes away the better for it and all the baddies die which is what you want for a Sharpe book and its especially heart warming for Christmas.
December 25, 2019
Two short stories written for the holiday season with a great introduction by Cornwell. Both stories are light reads (but, then again, so are all Sharpes) and manage to mix Sharpe-like action with seasonal themes. A good, quick read for the Yuletime!
December 31, 2019
Slightly expanded versions of short stories which appeared in festive versions of UK newspapers. Nothing groundbreaking but some nice little bits for those who have read other Sharpe stories and entertaining enough for those who havent
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